University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) vs U of A
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant city of Las Vegas, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) stands as a beacon of higher education, while the University of Arizona (UA) thrives in the historic and culturally rich city of Tucson. Both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, vibrant student life, and opportunities for personal growth. However, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. UNLV boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students, while UA has a slightly higher graduation rate. UNLV's student body is more diverse, with a larger international student population, while UA has a larger undergraduate population. To help you make an informed decision about your educational journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences and more, including popular majors, tuition fees, and campus life. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() University of Arizona |
![]() University of Nevada-Las Vegas |
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Overview |
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Location | Tucson, Arizona | Las Vegas, Nevada |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 84.0% | 77.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 87.3% | 83.5% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$85
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Undergraduate:
$60
Graduate:
$60
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SAT range | 1120 - 1370 | N/A |
ACT range | 21 - 29 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 13.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 19.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 48,065 | 13,025 |
Total number of admissions given out | 41,946 | 10,873 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 8,436 | 4,125 |
Yield rate | 20.1% | 37.9% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$30,136
Out of state:
$54,658
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In state:
$28,003
Out of state:
$44,094
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Average net price | $17,242 | $13,030 |
Tuition |
In state:
$11,299
Out of state:
$35,821
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In state:
$7,949
Out of state:
$24,040
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$8,400
Meal plan:
$5,050
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Room/dormitory:
$5,880
Meal plan:
$5,456
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
92.0%
Average amount $13,790 |
92.0%
Average amount $6,217 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
24.0%
Average amount $4,845 |
21.0%
Average amount $5,000 |
Students taking out private loans |
3.0%
Average amount $20,814 |
1.0%
Average amount $17,424 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
37,434
Men 44.3% Women 55.7% |
25,312
Men 43.1% Women 56.9% |
Graduate students |
10,840
Men 44.5% Women 55.5% |
5,367
Men 40.8% Women 59.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 48.8% | N/A |
International students | 6.5% | 2.7% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 7,036 | 2,850 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Arizona California Washington Illinois Colorado | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 17:1 | 18:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 64.3% | 47.2% |
Dropout rate | 14.3% | 44.5% |
Transferred out | 19.6% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Physics (Doctoral Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
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Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Hospitality Administration/Management (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
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